What are some good introductory texts for Buddhism?

[Buffalo Souljah]

I am very much new to the game. I have heard of the Buddhist Bible, a book I have heard Keroak carried around with him religiously. What texts do you know of that might tickle the fancy of an individual drawn to this esoteric faith (I don't know why I put that in scare quotes)? Nods to any beneficial insights.

[Dean]

Moved to "Religion"
-Dean

[VientoLibre]

I mean--where to even start? There's tons of literature about Buddhism everywhere. I've read quite a bit into Theravada, Mahayana, and Chan Buddhism and they're all very different from each other.

Do you want an anthropological account? A book of "proverbs" or poems? Do you want an interpretation? Are you looking for things specifically outside of the main Buddhist writings themselves (the sutras, et cet)?

Anyway... With that being said, here's my suggestion.

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts.

[Orange Juche]

Buddhism Plain & Simple by Steve Hagen was the first book I ever read on Buddhism, I think it's wonderful, I highly recommend it.

[mikelepore]

Any of the books by D. T. Suzuki.